Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe
If you have a craving for something savory, buttery, and wonderfully tender, this Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine delicate biscuits with a golden crust that hides a soft, cheesy crumb infused with the gentle sweetness and earthiness of sautéed leeks. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or alongside a cozy soup dinner. Not only are they easy to make, but every bite bursts with comforting flavors that make them feel special and homemade every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but they each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe. From the rich butter that creates flaky layers to the sharp cheese lending vibrant flavor, every component works in harmony to make a truly memorable treat.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons, cold): Cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers and a tender crumb.
- Medium leek, thinly sliced and rinsed: Adds a subtle sweetness and mild onion flavor that elevates the biscuits.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the savory ingredients with a hint of sweetness.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the biscuits rise and become light.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Adds extra lift and makes the texture tender.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Grated sharp cheese (1 cup): Choose white, yellow, or Dubliner cheese for a bold, melty taste.
- Full-fat plain unsweetened yogurt (¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons): Keeps the dough moist and adds a subtle tang.
- Whole milk (3 to 4 tablespoons): For brushing tops, helping to achieve a beautiful golden finish.
How to Make Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Leeks
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of cold butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced leeks and sauté them slowly until they become soft, wilted, and lightly browned—this usually takes about 9 to 10 minutes. This process draws out their natural sweetness and mellows that oniony edge. Once done, transfer to a plate and set aside to cool for 10 to 15 minutes so they don’t melt the butter in the biscuit dough later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) which is perfect for baking biscuits that are crisp on the outside and tender inside. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help evenly distribute heat.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mixing these thoroughly ensures even distribution of rising agents so your biscuits get that perfect lift and flavor balance.
Step 4: Cut in the Butter
Take the remaining cold butter (¼ cup) and cut it into the dry mixture using either a pastry cutter or your clean hands. The goal here is to create a coarse crumble texture. These small bits of butter will create steam as the biscuits bake, resulting in flaky layers.
Step 5: Add Leeks and Cheese
Once the sautéed leeks have cooled completely, mix them into the flour and butter mixture along with the grated cheese. This is where those savory, rich flavors really start to come together, making each bite delightfully irresistible.
Step 6: Make the Dough
Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the plain yogurt. Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon or two more of yogurt until it comes together nicely without being sticky. Lightly knead the dough in the bowl for a few seconds to create a uniform texture without overworking it.
Step 7: Shape the Biscuits
Sprinkle some flour on a clean work surface and pat the dough into a 1-inch thick disk. Use a round cookie cutter dusted with flour to cut out the biscuits, transferring them to your lined baking sheets. This method ensures neat, fluffy biscuits that bake evenly.
Step 8: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of all biscuits with whole milk. This simple step gives them a gorgeous golden color and a slight sheen once baked. Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits feel springy to the touch.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Pull your Leek and Cheese Biscuits out of the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm. The smell alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and the taste lives up to that delicious promise.
How to Serve Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chives or a dab of herb butter can brighten up each biscuit and add a fresh touch. A little cracked black pepper on top adds a subtle spice that complements the leeks perfectly.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside creamy soups such as tomato bisque or potato leek soup to make a comforting meal. They also pair wonderfully with fresh salads or roasted vegetables for a lighter, yet hearty option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch or party, slice the biscuits in half and layer with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and dill for a sophisticated treat. Alternatively, use them as mini sandwich buns filled with ham and mustard or egg salad for a playful finger food idea that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh enough for a quick snack or to enjoy with your next meal.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully! Simply let them cool completely, then wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or stored biscuits, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests sharp white, yellow, or Dubliner cheese, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or even a smoky gouda for a delicious twist.
What if I don’t have plain yogurt on hand?
You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk. Both will add moisture and a bit of tang without compromising the texture or flavor of the biscuits.
How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?
Look for golden-brown tops and firm but springy sides. When pressed gently, they should bounce back slightly. You can also check the bottoms to ensure they’re not doughy.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, you can adapt the recipe. Keep in mind gluten-free doughs can behave differently, so handle the dough lightly and monitor baking closely.
Will the biscuits still be flaky without the cold butter?
Cold butter is key to that classic biscuit flakiness. If you use softened butter, you might end up with a denser texture. For best results, keep your butter chilled until ready to cut in.
Final Thoughts
This Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe truly has a way of turning a simple meal into something memorable and comforting. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones at the breakfast table or serving them alongside your favorite soup, these biscuits bring warmth, flavor, and that homemade magic everyone craves. I can’t wait for you to try them out and make them a new staple in your kitchen!
Print
Leek and Cheese Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits 1x
Description
These Leek and Cheese Biscuits are savory, tender, and packed with flavor. Made with sautéed leeks, sharp cheese, and tangy yogurt, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious snack. The biscuits are easy to prepare, combining flaky butter layers with soft, cheesy interiors baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
Butter and Leeks
- ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and divided
- 1 medium leek, thinly sliced and rinsed
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup grated sharp white, yellow, or Dubliner cheese
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons full-fat plain unsweetened yogurt
- 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Sauté Leeks: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced leeks and sauté until wilted, softened, and lightly browned, about 9 to 10 minutes. Transfer the sautéed leeks to a plate and set aside to cool completely, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your clean hands, cut the remaining ¼ cup of cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbles.
- Add Leeks and Cheese: Mix the cooled sautéed leeks and grated cheese into the flour mixture.
- Form Dough: Create a well in the center of the mixture and add the plain yogurt. Mix everything together to form a shaggy dough, adding an extra tablespoon or two of yogurt if the dough feels too dry.
- Lightly Knead: Gently knead the dough in the bowl for a few seconds until it forms a more uniform consistency.
- Shape Biscuits: Dust a cutting board or work surface with flour. Pat the dough into an even disk about 1 inch thick. Flour a round cookie cutter and cut out biscuits. Transfer biscuits to the prepared baking sheets.
- Brush with Milk: Brush the tops of each biscuit lightly with whole milk to encourage browning.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Serve: Serve the warm biscuits fresh from the oven and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the leeks are thoroughly rinsed to remove any grit or dirt before sautéing.
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky biscuit layers.
- For extra flavor, try using a mix of cheeses such as sharp cheddar combined with a Dubliner cheese.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can reheat them briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
